On average, a medium-sized potato takes about 60-75 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, cooking time may vary based on the size and type of potato and whether or not you wrap them in foil.
How Long to Bake a Potato at 350 F
As mentioned, a medium-sized potato will bake for around 60-75 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, there are some factors that can change the cooking time, such as using an Air Fryer.
Plus, the baking time will vary based on the size and type of potato.
For example, if you’re cooking a larger potato, you’ll need to adjust the baking time to 80-90 minutes.
Luckily for you, I have a few tricks on how to tell when the potato is ready. Along with some handy tricks to make sure it comes out perfect every time.
Let’s dive in!
How Long to Bake a Potato at 350 F in An Air Fryer
A medium-sized potato needs about 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in an Air Fryer.
Remember to poke holes all over the surface and flip the potato halfway through cooking for even browning.
The Air Fryer’s hot air circulation gives you a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, just like oven baking.
Plus, Air Fryers are known for being energy-efficient and fast. So, they’re perfect for busy households or small kitchens.
How Long to Bake a Sweet Potato at 350
Wondering how long it takes to bake a sweet potato at 350 degrees Fahrenheit?
The ideal baking time can vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes and whether you’re using foil or not.
On average, sweet potatoes take around 50 to 70 minutes of baking at 350 degrees F. If you’re wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil, they tend to cook faster.
To check if your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, pierce the center of the sweet potato with a fork or knife.
If it slides in easily and the flesh is tender, they’re good to go. If not, bake them a little longer.
How Long to Bake a Frozen Potato at 350
Have a frozen potato? No worries! Pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 60-80 minutes, depending on its size.
Be sure to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the usual baking time to account for the frozen state.
Baking a frozen potato might test your patience, but the end result will be a scrumptious and satisfying treat.
And, like with fresh potatoes, don’t forget to poke some holes in the skin to prevent any mishaps during cooking.
Should You Wrap Potatoes in Foil Before Baking?
To wrap or not to wrap, that’s the question!
Wrapping potatoes in foil can help them cook evenly and retain moisture.
But if you’re a fan of crispier skin, skip the foil and bake your potatoes uncovered.
It really comes down to your personal preference and the texture you’re going for.
Foil-wrapped potatoes have a softer, steamed skin, while unwrapped potatoes give you that crispy, flavorful skin.
Why Is It Essential to Poke Potatoes Before Baking?
Poking holes in potatoes before baking is crucial because it allows steam to escape, preventing any potato explosions while cooking. It also helps the potato cook evenly and soak up flavor.
So, grab a fork or a sharp knife and make several deep punctures in the potato skin.
This simple step will save you from a potential mess and ensure a perfectly cooked spud.
How Many Potatoes Can You Bake At Once?
Curious about how many potatoes you can bake at once? The answer’s pretty simple: as many as your oven can hold!
Just remember to leave enough space between each spud for proper air circulation. This will guarantee even cooking and the perfect potato texture.
Keep in mind, baking multiple potatoes may extend the cooking time, so patience is key.
Got a mix of big and small potatoes? You might need to adjust cooking times for each size.
To ensure all your potatoes are cooked just right, check their doneness individually.
That way, you can remove the smaller ones when they’re ready and leave the larger ones in a bit longer.
When loading up your oven, place the potatoes on the middle rack for optimal heat distribution.
Using multiple racks? No problem! Just rotate the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure they all cook evenly.
How Can You Tell if Your Baked Potatoes Are Done?
A perfect baked potato is tender inside and crispy-skinned outside.
To test for doneness, poke the potato with a fork or knife. It should slide in effortlessly with minimal resistance.
This means the inside is soft and fluffy.
You can also gently squeeze the potato using an oven mitt or clean towel, and it should give a bit.
This technique helps you assess the potato’s texture without cutting into it.
If the potato feels firm, let it bake a bit longer and check again after a few minutes.
Another option is to use a digital instant-read thermometer.
A flawlessly baked potato should have an internal temperature of around 210 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just insert the thermometer into the potato’s center, avoiding contact with the oven bottom or baking sheet, and take a reading.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Baked Potatoes
Have some leftover baked potatoes? No problem! Store them in an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Just be sure to let the potatoes cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation, which can cause soggy skins.
Want to freeze your baked potatoes for later? First, let them cool down completely.
Next, wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil and stash them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
Your frozen baked potatoes can last for up to 3 months, ensuring a tasty side dish or meal base is always at hand.
When you’re ready to reheat your refrigerated or thawed baked potatoes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unwrap the spuds, place them on a baking sheet, and warm them up for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
In a hurry? You can also reheat the potatoes in the microwave.
Simply slice your leftover whole potato in half lengthwise and pop it in the microwave.
Cover it with a damp paper towel and cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes.
What to Serve with Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are comfort food at its best. And to be honest, I’m happy with a bit of salt and butter!
But if you want to make it a meal, try one of these tasty serving suggestions:
- Juicy sirloin steak
- Spicy Chipotle chicken
- Sweet and sticky honey walnut shrimp
- Meatloaf
- Lemon chicken breasts
How Long to Bake a Potato at 350 F
4
servings30
minutes1
hour300
kcalHere’s how to bake a potato at 350 so it stays soft, fluffy, and flavorful!
Ingredients
1 medium-sized baking potato
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon butter
A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Clean the baking potato thoroughly, and use a knife or fork to make several punctures on its skin.
- Coat the potato skin with olive oil, followed by an even layer of salt.
- Place the prepared potato in the preheated oven, and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until it becomes slightly soft and develops a golden-brown color.
- Remove the baked potato from the oven, and carefully slice it down the middle.
- Add butter and a pinch of black pepper on top of the potato.
- Optionally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese before serving.
